Rappler: Ending hunger, ensuring nutrition by 2030
Anna Lartey, director of the Nutrition Division in the Economic and Social Development Department at the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization

“…How can we ensure that the nutrition component of the Global Goals is upheld and not overshadowed? Two suggestions, both based on the premise that consideration of food quality (as opposed to quantity) is key. First, agricultural productivity must pay attention to nutrient-dense foods. Second, countries must recognize that there are multiple entry points for improving nutrition through agriculture and food systems. … Increasing demand for and availability of globally comparable, routinely collected indicators of diet adequacy is imperative for holding agriculture and food systems to a higher, more health-centered standard. Global Goal 2 — ending hunger by 2030 — offers a tremendous opportunity in this regard” (9/14).

“…If we are serious about ending hidden hunger, governments in the developed world need to ramp up support for fortification programs, from ensuring staple food producers have easy access to micronutrient mixes to facilitating quality fortified food production to educating consumers about the benefits of choosing fortified foods and enabling the private sector to do its part. Evidence shows that making food fortification mandatory and vigorously enforcing quality and compliance is key to ensuring a healthier future for millions of people. … When combined with other critical interventions, … fortification contributes to a powerful recipe to tackle malnutrition. The tools have been in our hands for nearly a century; it is time we use them better” (9/12).